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Researchers’ 3D-printing formula may transform future of foam

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a durable and recyclable foam that can be 3D-printed using dynamic covalent chemistry. The new material has reversible bonds, allowing it to repair itself when damaged, making it more versatile and longer-lasting.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalRSC Applied Polymers·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

HKUST researchers set to transform food production with AI-enhanced 3D food printing solution

Researchers at HKUST have developed an AI-assisted 3D food printing solution that combines printing with infrared cooking to produce safer and more visually appealing food. The system uses graphene heaters to precisely control the cooking process, ensuring shape retention and quality.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

New light-induced polymer material formation method to improve 3D printing resolution

Researchers have developed a new photopolymerisation reaction controlled by two different colours of light, enabling the creation of solid polymeric materials with resolutions below millimetres. This method allows for precise spatiotemporal control and could improve the performance of 3D printing processes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Standardized playbook for multi-material projection-based bioprinting

Researchers developed a standardized playbook for multi-material projection-based bioprinting, achieving high-fidelity printing of composite bioink structures. The system uses a synergistic cleaning strategy to minimize cross-contamination and variability in photopolymerization characteristics.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2025

These electronics-free robots can walk right off the 3D-printer

Researchers developed electronics-free robots that can walk without electronics, using compressed gas as a power source. The robots were printed in one go from standard 3D printing material and demonstrated three-day operation with air pressure control.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

New machine learning framework enhances precision and efficiency in metal 3D printing, advancing sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at University of Toronto develop a new framework to optimize laser Directed Energy Deposition (AIDED) for higher quality and more reliable metal parts. The AIDED framework uses machine learning to predict optimal process parameters and enhance the accuracy and robustness of finished products.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMar 21, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Muscles from the printer

Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Nature-inspired 3D-printing method shoots up faster than bamboo

Researchers at Beckman Institute created a new 3D printing process called 'growth printing' that mimics the outward expansion of tree trunks to print polymer parts quickly and efficiently. The process, called FROMP, uses minimal energy to harden resin into its solid form, resulting in faster and more cost-effective production of polymers.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 11, 2025

Elementary-particle detectors, 3D printed

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a fully additive-manufactured plastic scintillator detector for elementary particles, showcasing a significant step towards time- and cost-effective ways to build large-scale particle detectors. The detector's three-dimensional particle tracks enable more accurate neutrino tracking and analysis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateMar 11, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of super-invar alloy fabricated by wire-arc additive manufacturing

The study reveals the association between microstructure and G/R during WAAM, resulting in a columnar cellular micro-structure and an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 0.265×10^−6 K^−1 from 20℃ to 100℃. The research offers insights into super-invar alloy components manufactured by WAAM, paving the way for better a...

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2025

AI reveals new way to strengthen titanium alloys and speed up manufacturing

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have discovered a new way to strengthen titanium alloys using AI, enabling faster production and improved mechanical properties. The breakthrough has implications for industries such as shipbuilding, aviation, and medical devices.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

3D-printed knee implants improves quality and reliability

Researchers at Naton Biotechnology have developed the world's first laser 3D-printed total knee implant, receiving official approval from China's National Medical Products Administration. A two-step heat treatment process significantly improved the metal's structure and strength, making it stronger and more reliable for medical use.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·DateMar 3, 2025

SwRI, U-Michigan engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions

Researchers at SwRI and U-M have created a new methane flare burner using additive manufacturing and machine learning that eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner's design, with a complex nozzle base and impeller, allows for efficient combustion even in challenging crosswind conditions.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Cooling materials – Out of the 3D printer

Scientists from ISTA create thermoelectric coolers with improved performance and reduced waste by 3D printing materials, offering potential for medical applications and energy harvesting. The innovative method reduces production costs and enhances material properties.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2025

Additive manufacturing of biomedical metals for medical implant fabrication

The article reviews additive manufacturing technology for biomedical metals, enabling customized implants with precise internal structures. It highlights the integration of AI and 4D printing, addressing challenges in production costs, regulatory compliance, and post-processing.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 20, 2025

Coffee grounds and Reishi mushroom spores can be 3D printed into a compostable alternative to plastics

A team of researchers at the University of Washington has developed a novel method for 3D printing objects using a mixture of coffee grounds, brown rice flour, and Reishi mushroom spores. The resulting material is compostable, lightweight, and strong, with a density similar to that of polystyrene foam.

SourceUniversity of Washington·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateFeb 18, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

WPI researchers to develop robotic arm for wheelchairs

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that enables wheelchair users to safely grasp and carry objects out of reach. The project builds on origami-inspired designs and novel fabrication methods for modules made of lightweight plastics, 3D printed components, and sensors.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 18, 2025

Breaking the pattern: How disorder toughens materials

Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania and Aarhus University found that introducing just the right amount of disorder can increase the toughness of certain materials by 2.6 times. This discovery opens up new possibilities for widespread use of so-called mechanical metamaterials.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2025

How to ensure metallic material strength while conserving nickel resources?

Researchers developed a new stainless-steel alloy that preserves material strength without relying on nickel. By using additive manufacturing and combining austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, the team created bimetallic structures with improved hardness and strength.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateFeb 14, 2025

New 3D printing method replicates nature's finest fibers

Researchers have developed an embedded 3D-printing technique that allows for the rapid production of fine, continuous, and soft fibers in gel. The method uses a solvent exchange approach to inhibit capillary breakup from surface tension, achieving resolutions as low as 1.5 microns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2025

MIT engineers develop a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine

MIT engineers have developed a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine that can be produced rapidly and at a lower cost than traditional thrusters. The device generates stable and uniform flow of propellant, producing as much or more thrust than existing droplet-emitting electrospray engines.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 13, 2025
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Holograms boost 3D printing efficiency and resolution

Researchers have developed a holographic method for volumetric additive manufacturing that significantly reduces energy required and boosts resolution. The technique involves projecting three-dimensional holograms onto spinning resin vials, resulting in high-fidelity 3D-printed objects with exceptional accuracy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Researchers control metal microstructure for better 3D printing

Cornell researchers discover way to control metal solidification transformations by adjusting alloy composition, leading to improved strength and reliability of printed metal parts. The method involves disrupting column-like grain growth, significantly reducing grain size and improving yield strength.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2025

Encoding many properties in one material via 3D printing

Researchers have developed a 3D printing technique to create liquid crystal elastomers with controllable alignment, leading to new possibilities for shape-morphing materials. By tuning nozzle design, print speed, and temperature, they achieved uniform molecular-scale alignment, translating to prescribed mechanical behavior.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Revolutionary lubricant prevents friction at high temperatures

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. The novel coating has the potential to make components from rockets to semiconductors more safe, durable, and cost-effective.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Creating bioinspired structures with 3D printing

Scientists at SUTD have created innovative architectures for direct ink writing to fabricate complex bio-inspired structures, including lattices, webs, and leaf-like structures. These novel materials exhibit remarkable properties, such as improved suction force and energy absorption.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateJan 24, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

3D and 4D printing revolutionize electromagnetic metamaterials

The breakthrough uses 3D and 4D printing to create complex geometries with high precision, enabling the fabrication of electromagnetic metamaterials. This has led to enhanced performance in applications such as antennas, invisibility cloaks, imaging, and wireless power transfer.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalEngineering·DateJan 23, 2025

3D printing shines in overcoming headlight lens manufacturing challenges

Researchers used 3D printing to make headlight lenses, achieving exceptional precision and surface quality while reducing costs and production speeds. The study compared 3D printing with traditional methods like CNC machining and reverse engineering, finding that 3D printing outperformed them in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJan 13, 2025

Focal volume optics for composite structuring in transparent solids

Researchers propose a novel strategy for highly controllable micro-nano fabrication using focal volume optics in transparent solids. The approach enables the creation of composite structures with finer structures and tunable properties, opening up new avenues for photonics and nanophotonics applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJan 7, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Innovative 3D printed scaffolds offer new hope for bone healing

Researchers developed novel 3D printed PLA-CaP scaffolds that support angiogenesis, reducing bone scarring and improving healing outcomes. In vitro tests showed stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor secretion and maintained calcium ion release, while in vivo testing demonstrated good integration and blood vessel infiltration.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalBiomaterials Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024

How to print a car: High-performance multi-material 3D printing techniques

Researchers at Tohoku University successfully prototyped the world's first full-scale automotive multi-material component, a suspension tower made of steel and aluminum with tailored geometry. The breakthrough in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technique allows for strong bonding interfaces without brittle intermetallic compounds.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateDec 17, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists develop 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon dioxide

Researchers have developed a 3D concrete printing system that captures and stores carbon dioxide, offering a promising alternative to traditional cement-based construction methods. The innovation improves printability, increases strength, and enhances mechanical properties, resulting in stronger and more eco-friendly buildings.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCarbon Capture Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

Stretchable, flexible, recyclable. This plastic is fantastic

Princeton engineers create soft plastics with programmed stretchiness and flexibility that are also recyclable and inexpensive. The material's internal structure is controlled to achieve stiffness and stretchiness in different regions of an object.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2024

Metal scrap upcycled into high-value alloys with solid phase manufacturing

Researchers at PNNL have developed a solid phase alloying process that converts metal scrap into high-performance aluminum products in a single step. The process, called ShAPE, produces high-strength alloys with unique nanostructures and improved properties compared to conventional recycled aluminum.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New bioprinting technique creates functional tissue 10x faster

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses spheroids to create complex tissue, producing tissue 10-times faster and with high cell density. The technique enables the rapid fabrication of functional tissues and organs, opening new opportunities for regenerative medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

New 3D printing approach means better biomedical, energy, robotics devices

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new 3D printing technique that allows for the creation of shape-changing materials with muscle-like properties. These materials can crawl, fold, and snap directly after printing, enabling their use in implantable medical devices, soft robotics, and energy storage applications.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Shape-shifting antenna poised to transform communications

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have created a shape-shifting antenna that can change its shape based on temperature, transforming communications capabilities. The technology has transformative potential in military, scientific and commercial applications, enabling dynamic RF band adaptability.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

To design better water filters, MIT engineers look to manta rays

The MIT team fabricated a simple water filter modeled after the mobula ray's plankton-filtering features and studied its performance. They found that the ray's filtering features are broadly similar to industrial cross-flow filters, which could inform design of water treatment systems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2024

3D-printing advance mitigates three defects simultaneously for failure-free metal parts

Researchers at UW–Madison developed an approach to simultaneously mitigate three types of defects – pores, rough surfaces, and large spatters – in metal parts produced using laser powder bed fusion. This breakthrough enables the production of high-quality parts with increased manufacturing productivity.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Additive manufacturing of multiscale NiFeMn multi-principal element alloys

Scientists have successfully synthesized a multiscale NiFeMn alloy through additive manufacturing combined with chemical dealloying, offering a new route for discovering novel materials. The integrated approach enables efficient diffusion of metals, allowing for bulk samples to be prepared without extended dealloying time.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024

Fighting microplastics for a cleaner future

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 11, 2024

3D printing breakthrough: Stronger, more ductile alloy for extreme environments

Researchers have developed an ultra-strong, ductile alloy using 3D printing technology, which combines the benefits of refractory metals like NbTiZr. The oxygen-doped blend creates a unique combination of strength and flexibility, making it ideal for aerospace and medical applications.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Revolutionary high-speed 3D bioprinter hailed a game changer for drug discovery

A team of biomedical engineers from the University of Melbourne has developed a groundbreaking 3D printing system that can fabricate complex human tissues in just seconds. This technology significantly improves the potential to predict and develop new pharmaceutical therapies, reducing the need for animal testing.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2024

Researchers Aim To Get Leg Up on Bone Repair with 3D-Printed Femur

University of Texas at Dallas researchers have designed a 3D-printed femur that can help doctors prepare for surgeries and develop treatments for bone tumors. The bone replica is made of polylactic acid, a bio-based polymer, and performed as well as a human femur in biomechanical tests.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

New solvent free 3D printing material could enable biodegradable implants

Researchers at Duke University have developed a polymer that can be used in commercial 3D printers without solvent, leading to major advantages across different applications. The new solvent-free material has been shown to improve mechanical properties while maintaining biodegradability.

SourceDuke University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Ensuring flawless metal 3D printing: New research tackles high-fidelity, high-resolution process monitoring

Researchers have developed a machine learning-based approach to detect keyhole pores in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing, achieving over 90% accuracy. The method uses simple light and sound sensors to monitor the printing process and accurately detect defects with a temporal resolution of 0.1 milliseconds.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Advancement in 3D-printed concrete promises strength, durability and lower carbon emissions

Researchers developed a more sustainable 3D-printed concrete material combining graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement. The new material offers enhanced strength and durability while significantly reducing carbon emissions, making it a powerful solution for addressing environmental challenges in 3D printed construction.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

MIT team takes a major step toward fully 3D-printed active electronics

Researchers at MIT have successfully fabricated fully 3D-printed resettable fuses, key components of active electronics that require semiconductors. The devices use a copper-doped polymer material to regulate resistance and can be used for basic control operations like motor speed regulation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 15, 2024

3D printing method could enable better micro energy storage

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a novel 3D printing method to fabricate glass micro-supercapacitors with enhanced performance. The approach utilizes ultrashort laser pulses to create electrodes with increased surface area and rapid ion transport, leading to improved energy storage capabilities.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2024

Wavelength-independent and photoinitiator-free laser 3D nanolithography

A team of scientists developed a new method for 3D nanolithography using low peak power laser oscillators, enabling the creation of non-photosensitized materials without photo-initiators. Wavelengths of 517 nm, 780 nm, and 1035 nm are suitable for producing 300 nm polymerized features with high linear writing speeds.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateOct 8, 2024

Holographic 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, say Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers develop a novel method of 3D printing using acoustic holograms, capable of creating complex objects quickly and at once. This technique, called holographic direct sound printing (HDSP), stores information of multiple images in a single hologram, allowing for the creation of multiple objects simultaneously.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.